10 Best Vacation Rentals In New Zealand - Updated 2024

Jessica
Jessica 
Updated
| 4 min read

If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings saga, New Zealand must be at the top of your travel bucket list. Aotearoa, or the land of the long white cloud, as the Maori people call it, is an island country south of the Pacific Ocean. Due to its unique geographical location, this place is home to more than 50 volcanoes, vast glaciers that make up the Southern Alps, glow worms, and the Hobbiton—where you can see Middle Earth in the flesh! It is one of the rising countries, and tourists from around the world are captivated by its majestic landscapes. So, explore this stunning destination and make the most of your stay. Check out these best vacation rentals in New Zealand for your accommodation.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.

1. Aesthetic family home with breathtaking view, Queenstown (from USD 235)

This aesthetic family home in Queenstown overlooks the majestic Lake Wakatipu. Its spacious finish is perfect for family trips and escapades with friends. The beautiful and fully equipped kitchen enables guests to prepare their own food hassle-free. During their stay, guests can make the most of the terrace, where they can enjoy coffee or tea while being amused by the breathtaking view of the town.

Stayed at this property?
Queenstown Hill, Queenstown, New Zealand
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 9 Guests 3 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

2. Rustic-themed cottage, Christchurch (from USD 93)

This rustic-themed cottage located at the city center of Christchurch, Canterbury, makes everything accessible within walking distance. Aside from its antique furniture, the rental has a terrace equipped with a griller—excellent for holding a barbecue dinner with friends. However, make sure to watch out for loud conversation and music to avoid disturbing the neighborhood. Also, you’ll surely get updated with trends and will be able to connect with your loved ones with the complimentary internet.

Stayed at this property?
Christchurch City, Christchurch, New Zealand
cottage 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

3. Sea Peeks Holiday Home, Tauranga (from USD 100)

Can’t leave the house without your furbaby? Sea Peeks Holiday Home welcomes pets, but make sure to inform the hosts if you’re bringing in one. Located at Papamoa Beach, guests are surely in for a fun vacation. Since this rental is close to the beach, guests can dip or just stroll down the bay. The property is also spacious, and pets can happily roam around. Plus, they have a grill—perfect for barbecue and marshmallow feast!

Stayed at this property?
Papamoa, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Apartment 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

4. The Orange Lodge, Wellington (from USD 95)

What’s not to love in The Orange Lodge? This holiday home offers the serenity and tranquility guests yearn for every vacation. The house has a spacious living room, ideal for a medium-sized family or group. Opacarophiles will surely love this home as well since Petone Foreshore is about a five-minute walk, where they can enjoy sunset views. Additionally, if you don’t have time to clean up, the property offers cleaning services at an additional fee per stay, including linen.

Stayed at this property?
Petone, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

5. Wallace Apartment, Auckland (from USD 138)

This Victorian villa is in Herne Bay, Auckland. Aside from its fully furnished kitchen, you’ll surely love the porch—best for spending the afternoon while appreciating the garden and nature. You can also use the complimentary internet here. Moreover, the property has laundry facilities, so you won’t go home with soiled clothes.

If you’re up for an adventure, Auckland Central Business District is accessible by the city bus. Alternatively, stroll to Home Bay Beach Reserve and Auckland Harbour Bridge to enjoy the sand on your toes and wait for the beautiful sunset on the shore.

Stayed at this property?
Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
Apartment 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

6. Aunt Tui's, Tuatapere (from USD 72)

Destress in this cozy house which features a variety of art pieces and antiques. If you’re looking for privacy, this house is a great find to stay in Tuatapere, Southland. You can start your morning with a hearty breakfast with its small equipped kitchen. Then, relax in the living room and watch your favorite movie on the television.

This rental also welcomes pets, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your furry buddies. The well-fenced property has a wide garden where your pets and kids play around.

Stayed at this property?
Tuatapere, Southland, New Zealand
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

7. The Eagle's Nest, Dunedin (from USD 107)

This modern property will make you feel you’re in Malibu, California, for a romantic getaway. The house is of mainly glass exteriors, where the sea is visible from the inside, adding up to its charm. Start your day with breakfast in bed or the state-of-the-art kitchen overlooking the beach. Alternatively, spend lazy days in the spacious living room, which has a heater, to make your stay comfortable even during chilly days.

Make sure to visit the nearby St. Clair Beach for a refreshing swim or try surfing since this beach is considered a perfect spot for such activity.

Stayed at this property?
Saint Clair, Dunedin, New Zealand
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 7 Guests 4 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
and there was plenty of space
Lovely comfortable home with modern touches Plenty of room for our group of 7 to spread out
Great place 3 adults and kids
a tidy warm space with great living/kitchen area
House had plenty of room for our group of 4 adults and 2 children Views looking over St Clair beach
Cleanliness:
house was warm clean and had everything we needed
Host:
House was well equipped definitely home away from home
Our ladies team won the National title and the Men made the last 8
Easy communication with owner Beautiful location
Property was excellent for our needs Clean and warm on arrival well equipped and very comfortable
House was very clean and tidy Rachael had put the heat pump on for our arrival which was great as our arrival was late at night
Location:
Loved it Beautiful house
Second time we've stayed here and it was still a lovely place to stay Clean and tidy with easy access to Dunedin and anywhere else
are beautiful Location was perfect for us quiet neighbourhood but close to the city and St Clair beach
Only problem was that we found the steep and narrow access a bit difficult with a toddler baby and luggage
Read more reviews

8. Harbour View Cottage, Opua (from USD 125)

This private cottage with tropical interiors is in Opua, Northland. Beach lovers will be happy to stay in this area because of its proximity to the beach. There’s a private patio overlooking the sea, so you can take photos in this area and share them on social media sites using the accessible internet.

The beach house also has complimentary teas and coffees. Another highlight of this rental is its parking space, so you don’t have to worry if you want to bring your car.

Stayed at this property?
Opua, Northland, New Zealand
192 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a good bed and a beautiful view from the deck
a very stylish and comfortable property with wonderful views of the harbour
great little unit with a big comfy bed and great views
the cottage itself is very modern and comfortable with excellent touches
the cottage is lovely sparkling clean with a stunning view comfy bed and everything we needed
Cleanliness:
spotlessly clean and neat as a pin
the spacious studio was spotlessly clean tastefully furnished and toasty warm during some uncharacteristically cold weather
the place was beautiful and clean just as described
the place was clean and tidy with good privacy
very clean with all amenities
Host:
marg and rhys were gracious hosts and replied promptly to any questions we had
marg and rhys are a great host and there when you need them
marg and rhys were lovely and very helpful
marg and rhys are wonderful hosts and so lovely would definitely recommend
great hosts with a beautiful property
Location:
a beautiful place in a gorgeous location
location was excellent for a short drive to paihia where we enjoyed boat ride excursions
what a beautiful place to live we will be back
stunning location with exceptional views
a few nice walks up the road and a two minute ride to the opua ferry
Read more reviews

9. Chambourcin Cottage, Haumoana (from USD 129)

This apartment is on the coastal beach of Haumoana, overlooking an organic vineyard and mountains. More than an Instagram-worthy place, the property features a breakfast bar fronting the glass windows—a perfect spot for sipping your morning coffee and appreciating the view. During the evening, you can spice up your dinner with the complimentary bottle of merlot, sparkling blush rosè, or chardonnay, fresh from the host’s vineyard.

Stayed at this property?
Haumoana, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
135 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the most beautiful dreamy cottage you could imagine so tasteful with super comfortable bed
beautiful cottage lovely and warm with heaps of room and everything you need
the cottage had everything we needed to feel comfortable and we had great friendly hosts
super comfy bed and loved the extra touches such a linen sheets robes and slippers
i loved the cotton/linen on the bed which made for a super comfy sleep
Cleanliness:
everything felt extremely clean and tidy
lovely clean and cozy cottage to escape to
the bed was very comfortable the shower pressure great and all spotlessly clean
well-appointed kitchen and two outstanding patios - everything was spotlessly clean and tasteful
it was peaceful and comfortable and the house is impeccably clean
Host:
sarah -lee was such a wonderful host
and we thought their family was just lovely - so kind and welcoming
sarah-lee & francois’ cottage was perfect in every way and they were great hosts
what a wonderful cottage and what thoughtful hosts
Location:
great location for visiting the wineries
we enjoyed the location
the location is superb and very quiet and peaceful
amazing location and lovely place would definitely recommend
great place house was perfect for what we needed and beautiful location
Read more reviews

10. Skylark Cabin, Twizel (from USD 407)

This luxury private residence is a must for tourists visiting Twizel in Canterbury. Airbnb even named it the Best Nature Stay in 2022. Your stay here will be a memorable experience with views of the Ben Ohau Range and the stars at night. It’s perfect for couples and honeymooners, as the cabin has everything you need for a lavishly comfortable stay. It has a fully functional kitchen, so you can prepare your meal exactly how you want.

Couples will surely refuse to go anywhere far from the property since everything they need is already here. Though in a secluded area, it’s perfectly nestled in a serene spot with breathtaking views of mountain ranges and luscious green trees.

Stayed at this property?
Twizel, Canterbury, New Zealand
294 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was super comfortable and had a view above of the stars
loved the sky light as we were stargazing in bed
the cabin is beautiful and the kitchen was fully stocked
Cleanliness:
the place was clean well designed with amazing views
Host:
gary you are such a great host too
the host gave ample provisions with thoughtful welcome treats
garry is a wonderful and accommodating host
garry is a very thoughtful and responsive host who couldn't be more helpful
gary was super friendly and always quick to respond
Location:
a stunning cabin and location
place is exactly as described wonderful location and relaxing atmosphere
please note the restaurants and shops in general in twizel tend to close early
beautifully kept property in a stunning location
we would definitely come back and recommend this place
Read more reviews

Escape to New Zealand

New Zealand will not disappoint you if it’s your next destination. You will also be delighted by the rich culture, historical beauty, and breathtaking nature of this country. To complete your visit, make sure to check out this list of the best vacation rentals in New Zealand.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Jess is someone with a strong aspiration to travel the world, considering it one of her paramount life goals. She also takes significant steps toward realizing this dream.

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